Liposomal delivery of camptothecins

Abstract

The use of liposomal drug delivery systems to improve the therapeutic index of pharmaceutical agents is exemplified by camptothecin-based drugs. This highly active class of anticancer agents possesses a unique mechanism of action with some inherent shortcomings, which might have been solved by liposomal formulation. Recent studies have revealed the protective action, increased tumor delivery and prolonged plasma exposure of these liposomal formulated drugs. These advances in pharmaceutical development could increase the levels of activity of these agents, as well as increase their clinical utility as new emerging anticancer therapies.